This wasn’t a reflection on the format, said Steven Restivo, a Wal-Mart spokesman.

Wal-Mart took advantage of the opportunity to open a smaller store while the nearby 174,000-square-foot Supercenter was under construction.

“We jumped at the chance because we didn’t think Chatham residents should wait any longer for more affordable grocery options,” Restivo said. “Now that our Supercenter is open, we’ll not only remain a fixture in the community but also all associates at the Express store will be offers new jobs within the company, with most just moving across the parking lot.”

The Walmart Express store opened in the summer of 2011, Restivo said, and the Supercenter in January 2012, months ahead of schedule.